The Detroit Lions made the playoffs for the first time in three seasons in 2014, but lost in the Wildcard Round in heartbreaking fashion to the Dallas Cowboys. All of their key pieces are returning for 2015, and this team is just a few players away from getting over the hump. Here are Detroit's top targets on the free agent market:
OL Mike Iupati
Detroit's offensive line was wildly inconsistent in 2014, and Iupati would bring instant stability and leadership to a unit in desperate need of an anchor. The Lions are going to lose veteran Rob Sims, and Iupati is the only premier offensive lineman on the market. Detroit will make him their top priority considering the lack of viable options behind him in free agency.
CB Kareem Jackson
Darius Slay really improved in 2014, but the Lions need to find someone who can hold down the other corner spot long term. Rashean Mathis has been Detroit's top corner for the past two years, but he's 35 years old and an unrestricted free agent. If the Lions bring him back, it's only a temporary solution.
Jackson isn’t an elite corner on the free agency market, but he’s in the second tier and would be willing to sign a multi-year deal. He has 50 pass deflections and 10 interceptions in his career, and he'd fit right in with the Lions because of his physicality.
DT Terrance Knighton
Detroit is doing everything they can to re-sign Ndamukong Suh, but if he ends up leaving town, the Lions are going to need to find a replacement in the middle of the defensive line. Knighton has become one of the most dominant run-stoppers in the league, and his ability to take on multiple blockers would free up their linebackers to make more plays. Oakland will give Detroit their toughest competition for Knighton, but the Lions would give him the opportunity to play for a contender.
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